“Why the State of Emergency in Turkey”

Article by the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,

H.E. Murat Yavuz Ates,

The developments which unfolded in Turkey on 15 July 2016
was a treacherous coup attempt by a group of plotters in the military, linked to
the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). FETO linked plotters tried to overthrow the democratically-elected Government, the President and the constitutional order in Turkey. These terrorist plotters

opened fire on the civilian people, murdered the democracy defenders on the streets. They attacked the Presidency and bombed the Parliament. They also attempted to assassinate the President.

At the end, FETO members were not successful in their attempt and democracy prevailed in Turkey. As a result of this terrorist coup attempt, 246 Turkish citizens lost their lives and 2185 were wounded.

During the coup attempt on 15^th July 2016, it was
revealed that FETÖ is a terrorist network that has infiltrated not only into the armed forces but also the other state organs. It was revealed that the terrorist organisation is trying to take over the legitimate and democratic state regime. Thus it was urgently necessary to take the measures to remove from the public institutions the people who are



members of, or have relation, connection or contact with this terror organisation.

With this view, following the failed coup attempt, a State of Emergency was declared in Turkey as of 21 July 2016.

The State of Emergency allows the removal from public service of the officials who are members of or have links to this terrorist organization. Also the State of Emergency allows the government to take action against the companies and media outlets of the terrorist organization.


Within this framework, at present relevant public officials are being removed from public service and legal action is being taken against the companies and media outlets of the terror organization.

The purpose of declaring the State of Emergency, is to take the required measures in the most speedy and effective manner in the fight against this terrorist organization. The aim is to save the Turkish Republic from this terror network and return to normalcy as soon as possible.


In this process, utmost care continues to be shown to protect and abide by democracy, the rule of law and the fundamental rights of our citizens.

State of Emergency is a measure envisaged by the Turkish Constitution and regulated by relevant national legislation. The Constitution includes clear provisions on the state of emergency.

State of Emergency is also a practice permitted under international human rights law, including European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Article 15 of the ECHR provides the Member States with the right to take measures to suspend their obligations under the Convention, in public emergency situations. Some European countries such as France and Germany have declared state of emergency when faced with security threats recently.

The State of Emergency has been declared for a period of 90 days. All extraordinary measures will be terminated once the result in the fight against the Fethullah Terrorist Organization is successfully achieved.

Related Documents

Article by Ambassador 1 August 2016.docx